Sunday, 23 August 2026
The final day arrived at Aachen, Germany. It was the climax of the para dressage in the form of the freestyle for individual medals, the four-in-hand driving had their cones phase to decide team and individual medals and, last but not least, the piece de resistance – the individual jumping final.
Individual jumping final day at any World Championship is a feast of sporting action, but at Aachen – the mecca of equestrian sport – it would be a whole new level. A capacity crowd of 40,000 people, perfect weather and two rounds of 1.65m jumping, promised an afternoon for the ages.
Britain had three riders qualified in the form of Harry Charles with his own and Eve Jobs’ LT Holst Freda in 23rd, Scott Brash with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s Hello Mango in 10th and Ben Maher with Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s Point Break in third. Today’s test would be two rounds – the first would see the top 25 complete a course, before whittling them down to the best placed 12 combinations to go forward to battle for the medals in the second round.
Germany’s Frank Rothenberger set two incredible courses, which would provide a true championship test of athleticism, ability and scope.
Harry Charles was the first of the Brits to head down the chute. He’s had a mixed week but, after initial frustration, more with himself than his horse, the Hampshire rider was determined to do justice to his newest equine star, the New Zealand-bred and produced LT Holst Freda. That focus paid off – they produced a super clear of great harmony and power.
Next was Scott Brash and Hello Mango, who’ve impressed throughout and were overall leaders after the first two rounds. Scott has believed in the Untouchable 27-sire mare since he first sat on her as a seven-year-old and, this week, she’s shown his intuition was right. They jumped a strong round, but lowered fence 5 to come home with four faults – it would be an agonising wait to see if they could hold on to a top 12 placing and go through for the final round.
Ben Maher cantered into the arena to a huge cheer with the Swedish-bred stallion Point Break. Over the three rounds, ‘Bodhi’ hadn’t touched a pole and showed he was the championship horse Ben knew he had the talent to be. They started well and the crowd were with them, gasping over every fence. The pair had a spectacular jump over the water jump but, as they approached the planks at nine, something caught the horse’s eye and he just didn’t lock on to the fence and uncharacteristically stopped. Ben circled and jumped it successfully upon reapproaching. They had six time faults to add to their stop, so it was 10 in total and their championship was done.
There was a smattering of clears, but many of the fancied combinations faulted around Rothenberger’s course. At the end of the first round, Scott finished 12th on 8.80 and Harry was 10th with 7.17, so both would jump again. Ben would stay in 19th place.
Scott was first in for the next course and it was big, wide and technical. Hello Mango was jumping incredibly and really taking on the fences but, as they came around the right turn to the treble, she jumped in big and misjudged the middle element, causing her to stumble. Scott just couldn’t stay in the saddle and took a heavy fall. He eventually got to his feet and walked out, while Mango was led out by groom David Honnet.
British hopes now rested on Harry Charles and the grey mare Freda. Harry has been a lynchpin in numerous championship and international teams, but has never claimed an individual medal. However, it would be a big ask to do so from 10th place. He and Freda came in and their fifth round of the competition looked to be their the best yet. The athletic mare has a huge engine and never looked like touching a fence – they crossed the line with all the poles still in the cups, leaving them on a finishing score of 7.17. It was now just a case of waiting to see whether they could climb any higher up the leaderboard.
As each combination came in, they lowered rails and Harry moved up the placings. Belgian rider Thibeau Spits was the first clear, which relegated Harry one place down, but home favourite Daniel Deusser lowered a rail, as did Roberton Teran Tafur for Colombia and Piergiorgio Bucci for Italy. Harry had secured a place on the podium.
The final one to jump was Steve Guerdat with mare Dynamix de Belheme – this duo were crowned European Championships in 2023 and had been faultless all week. They continued that way and left all the fences up to clinch a convincing, and worthy, gold.
That meant it was bronze for Harry – Britian’s first World Championship individual medal since the indomitable John Whitaker and Milton in 1990. From an unlikely 59th position after round two to the podium, it’s a story for the ages. After disappointment in the week, when Harry said, ‘I absolutely love Aachen, it just doesn’t love me back’, the tide had turned and Aachen – and its 40,000 crowd – certainly showed they had fallen for him and his mare.
“It’s a bit of a comeback. I don’t know if it’s ever been done from that low before! The pressure was on the other guys, though, not me – that was my mentality going in. The aim was to put two zeros on the board and see where we ended up. The course builder made it tough, with big jumps, but my horse is just a machine and she ate up those courses. We ended up in third place somehow, from 23rd going in, so it’s massive,” said a slightly disbelieving Harry.
“She’s from New Zealand – she was born, bred and produced there. She only came to me in May and I’m very thankful to my wife [showjumper Eve Jobs] for even letting me ride her. This was still a dream to come here, to even compete and try to get Britain qualified for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, which we managed to do on Friday. The chips just kind of fell into place as we went through the week, and she just got better and better. It all went into today and the result was better than anyone could have dreamed.
“It’s my first ever individual medal at seniors, and the first time I’ve even got close, to be honest. I’m very happy and a bit relieved because idols of mine have always been there at championships and I kind of felt like that was missing for me. I’m very proud and happy to have one already,” he said with a wry smile.
Performance Manager Di Lampard, who’s been instrumental in Harry’s transition from youth success to the senior ranks added; “I’m so proud of young Harry and this new partnership. Wow, what a comeback! Two beautiful clear rounds today and they looked easily within themselves – what a performance!
“It shows how difficult this course was. It’s the World Championships and that arena doesn’t carry any prisoners whatsoever. It’s out there for the brave and you have to have a lot of luck on your side for it to come together. It’s amazing.
“It’s full credit to Harry that he was able to pick himself back up again. He was so cross with himself, but he gave himself a telling off and bounced right back. He works at it and he deserves what he got this afternoon in Aachen,” she said proudly.
Steve Guerdat added individual gold to his impressive collection. Meanwhile, in the 25-year-old silver medallist Thibeau Spits, the jumping world has a new star. For many, though, the story of ‘When Harry met Freda’ and its chapter on the dramatic rise from down-and-out to the second step of the podium, will be consigned to Aachen’s history books.
After two days of team competition, it was now the chance for Britain’s four para dressage athletes to claim a individual medal in the freestyle.
Grade 2 – Freestyle: Jemima Green and Fantabulous
The Grade 2 competition was the first on the roster for the British combinations this morning, which meant that Jemima Green and Fantabulous would be our first shot at a freestyle medal. As was the case at last year’s European Championships in Ermelo, the pair was drawn last to go. The lead was held by a rider from the USA with an 81%+ score, so Jemima was aware she and Fanta would need something special to get on the podium.
Fanta was a bit fresh in his team test, with an impromptu spook that lost a few marks but, today, with music in his ears, he was focused and soft for his rider. The test had a super pace and flow, with just one blip when Fanta had a little trip on the centre line, but they were quickly back in their groove. The music was a classical adaptation of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey and Ellie Golding’s ‘Love Me Like You Do’, and it suited them to a tee. As they halted, a smile appeared and Jemima knew they’d done their best. As the scores were read out, it became clear that not only had they broken the coveted 80% barrier, but they’d also secured themselves a place on the podium. A final tally of 80.933% gave Jemima a silver medal to add to her individual bronze from the individual test – and a new personal best by just under 2.5%.
“There were mistakes. He felt a little bit tired, there was some spooks and a little trip, but actually he was relaxed. He got a bit behind me, so I thought I’d just keep trying to ride and enjoy my music. I came out not really knowing what to expect, so when everyone said they thought I had the silver I was like ‘what?!’,” exclaimed Jemima.
“It suits him to do all my trot work and then all my walk work. He kept his rhythm and balance, and when he’s like that, it really does flow so well and it feels soft, which is lovely.
“We couldn’t do this without the team around us and the support from UK Sport and sponsors such as Agria. I’m so appreciative of everybody – it’s a full, full team. From where we were to today, the little tweaks, the conversations, they’ve have made that.
“It’s been overwhelming and exhausting – mentally, I’ve found this one of the hardest shows, with everything going on and the pressure. I don’t think I’ve felt the pressure – it’s more that mentally I have. I came into today really prepared – I’ve been watching my music videos, I’ve been visualizing because I’m a visual person, I went to bed early last night and it all helped. It’s been an incredible experience,” she explained.
Grade 1 – Freestyle: Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg
It’s been a week of ups and down for Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg, owned by Di Redfern, Romilly Hart and Nick Durward-Akhurst. They started with a flourish for individual silver but, in the team test, Athene wasn’t her bright self and, despite Mari’s best efforts, finished just below the mark she’s very capable of.
Mari had elected to use the music she had for last year’s European Championship, but with a few tweaks to the floorplan for ‘The Duchess’, as she lovingly refers to Athene. They set off in their complicated floorplan of serpentines, circles and changes of diagonal set to some stirring music from Hollywood blockbusters such as Pearl Harbour and Pirates of the Caribbean, but Athene was once again not her sublime self and some resistance crept in. Mari kept her cool and did her level best to get to the end, but it wasn’t the ride she wanted. However, thanks to a bit of improvisation, she managed to finish with a square halt, perfectly in time with her music. Their score was 67.853% and it was impossible for Mari to hide her upset.
In the mixed zone, she announced that that was their last test together and Athene would now be retired, adding to the Buckinghamshire rider’s disappointment.
“This is her last competition – she’s retiring now. I’d have liked to have gone out with a different kind of bang, but she’ll be remembered for life now, so perhaps that was her performance. Honestly, with everything she’s given me – my first Paralympics, my first individual medal at the Paralympics, Europeans and Worlds – she’s just incredible. I can’t thank Di [Redfern], Romilly and South Bucks RDA for everything because it’s been amazing,” Mari said in praise of her equine partner.
“She’s made my dreams come true. I wouldn’t be the athlete I am now without her and everything she’s brought me. I think that’s a sign that she wants to retire, so it’s the perfect time really. I really wanted her to go out on a high and with a gold medal, but she’s been at the highest level for 10 years and the sport has changed so much. But to end with a silver, you can’t really want more. She can go in the field and be treated like royalty – she doesn’t owe Great Britain anymore,” Mari added.
Grade 4 – Freestyle: Nicola Naylor and Humberto L
Nicola Naylor has had a rollercoaster World Championship debut with her equine partner Humberto L, who’s shown his very best and, perhaps, some of his worst. Today, her aim was to get a consistent, settled and happy performance from ‘Humbo’.
Drawn third to go, it was clear that she’d opted for a high degree of difficulty, with a packed programme set to music from the Sherlock BBC drama series and Casino Royale. Humbo simply ate it up and was everything his rider had hoped – listening, supple and forward but in a positive way. If a horse and rider were truly enjoying a test together, it was this pair. The trending scores never dipped below a seven – as Humbo was consistent, so were the judges. The end mark was 76.505%, so we’d have to wait a bit longer to see if it was a medal winner, but whatever the outcome, it was the test Nicola wanted. After the final score was delivered, it was a frustrating fourth for the Kent duo.
“After yesterday, I felt it was great because he was so much more with me, so much more settled and willing to listen. He took a breath and I took a breath. He felt smoother and he felt like he was in a happier place, which, given the crowds and the noise, is amazing.
“He’s full of beans! I think he could go another three days with the way he feels – he’s very enthusiastic. It’s a busy freestyle and we’ve crammed a lot in because the more he does, the happier he is.
“I’m very pleased – he was consistent, which was lovely, especially after yesterday. It’s just a great note to end on to have him consistent and he’s happy. To give him that experience and for him to stay with me is a great way to finish,” said a very satisfied Nicola.
Grade 5 – Freestyle: Sophie Wells and MSJ Gold Standard
Aachen marks Sophie Wells’s fifth consecutive World Championships appearance and she’s won two individual medals at each, so the Grade 5 rider was feeling hopeful after winning individual gold on Friday with her latest star, MSJ Gold Standard, owned by Emma Blundell. At their last outing to Hartpury CPEDI3* before travelling to Germany, they’d posted a personal best of over 80% for the music and floorplan, so hopes were high.
Their music was a remix of covers by Croatian cellist HAUSER, including Waka Waka, Sway and La Isla Bonita, and the clever floor plan made good use of ‘Gracie’s’ highlights – the trot was active and forward, the walk was super with good over-track and the canter was pleasing, particularly the extended. Sophie halted to finish and a wide smile appeared. The score was a huge 76.755% and straight into the lead, with three to come.
Frustratingly, each of the three came in and edged ahead, so it was a narrow podium miss for Sophie.
“Of course it’s disappointing – it’s four percent off my best. But equally, it wasn’t our best test either – there were mistakes; she dropped me in the two half-circles, and the simple changes weren’t the best she could do. It is what it is, and we will just get home, regroup, and get better.
“The extended canter was good – I think that’s a really nice, bold thing she can do,” Sophie said. “But, overall, it was a bit of a mixed bag – she was fresh coming out, so I didn’t quite know what I was going to get in there. It was nice that she was feeling energetic on day three though, because I didn’t expect that,” explained Sophie.
The 740m-long cones course was set by renown German designer Alexander Flocke, with 20 obstacles and a time allowed of 185 seconds. It was a true championship challenge with some tricky lines.
Karen Bassett
Karen Bassett was our first driver into Stadium 2 with her team of Flora, Galvani Hedegaard, Skyfall and Thit Hedegaard and grooms Sanchia May and Eva Williams. A last-minute injury to the fifth member of her team just before setting off meant that the horses weren’t in their usual positions, meaning that Karen had her work cut out to support them. Despite that, she had a good drive in the marathon yesterday. Today wasn’t quite as successful as the previous day, though, with a miscommunication at number 18 that caused them to overshoot the c element, so they had to circle, costing valuable time. Karen also had four knockdowns, to finish in 258.91 seconds for 36.96 time penalties and a total score of 53.9.
Peter Bennett
This morning Peter drove Elmo Almire, Kroonprins, Lodewijk and Lutiano with grooms Charlotte Mansi and Emily Bennet. He had just one knock down at 18b, the tricky slalom, in a time of 230.70 seconds, giving 22.85 time penalties and a cones total of 25.85.
Daniel Naprous
For the final cones test, Daniel Naprous presented his team of Ippon, Lord PC, Lyzander and Onno with grooms Felix Naprous and Cody Duffy. He had knockdowns at 5, 9 and 15 and took 209.50 seconds to complete the course, this gave him 12.25 time penalties, yielding a score of 21.25.
Robert Wilkinson
Best-placed Brit Robert Wilkinson brought forward Fernando, Kamore, Muwandro and Norwold for the final phase, with grooms Lisa Mitchell and Weronika Pastwa on duty. A skillful drive lowered just two obstacles in a time of 210.36, to give 12.68 time and a final cones total of 18.68.
Final placings
In the overall cones phase, the British placings were;
The individual gold went to the indefatigable Boyd Exell for Australia, with young Belgian sensation Dries Degrieck took silver and Chester Weber claimed bronze for the USA.
British individual placings after all three phases:
In the team competition, the gold went to the Netherlands on a final total of 315.13. Australia were just behind in silver with 317.25, while Belgium took the remaining podium place on 325.52. Britain’s trio was 10th.
Find out everything you need to know about Aachen and the championships via our online hub and follow British Equestrian on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok for full digital of the competition.
You can rewatch all the action on FEI.TV, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, with a subscription. All the start lists and results are available via Longines Timing or on the Aachen 2026 app.
The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.
British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek, Jaecoo and Lotus Romeo.